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Japan may accept Russia peace pact if it can get back 2 of 4 disputed islands

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Offered in 1956 and 2006 and rejected by Japan, I guess the JP government is waking up.

14 ( +20 / -6 )

Sometimes opportunities rarely strikes multiple times. Japan already missed it once ... they'll have to be extremely lucky or...go to war.

-5 ( +5 / -10 )

Will Japan be able pick the ones they prefer or will they have to take what they are given?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I think if the Abe government didn’t play hard against Russia in the previous meetings and had a more compromising approach and with some huge amount of “donations” the two southern islands could have been returned.

But Russians like Japanese are stubborn.

So I think they played their cards badly.

I won’t see any constructive outcome in the next meeting unless both sides try to low down their ultra-patriotic feelings which I think it won’t happen.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Maybe or will? If it isn't the latter, Russia shouldn't buckle.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Who would ever do this?Russia has all the leverage in these negotiations. Japan brings nothing to the table here. They have sided against Russia in nearly all international negotiations, so they aren't exactly friendly.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

The 2 Plus 2 Deal is what PM Abe will put on the table to Putin, as well as agreeing to a Peace Treaty. Over the next few years, Russia will see the benefits of the deal being realized, with first rate infrastructure built and gas pipelines to Japan, injecting a big cash boost for Russia. If Etorofu and Kunashiri take 5-10 years to return, so be it. In the long run it will be win-win for everyone.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

Wow! A compromise! I doubt if Russia will bend though.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

After assessing public opinion, Abe is expected to make a final judgment as to whether Japan should strike a deal with Russia on the basis of securing the handover of the two smaller islands.

Please, let's be for real here. When has Abe EVER cared about public opinion in his decision making?

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Another international fail, for all his monthly international junkets, what has he actually achieved? Guess he and his cohorts will be wearing those blue lapel buttons for some time yet. How's that special relationship with Trump going by the way? Besides hamburgers and golf?

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Aren’t these islands covered by Article 9? Why doesn’t Japan defend her territories.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Too late, that boat has sailed.

Russia will cheerfully accept the money but If Abe thinks they will give way on any territory they hold (unless by force and Japan isn’t going to do that) he is living in a dream world.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I admire PM Abe's move of steel as that giving up on Etorofu and Kunashiri will no doubt cause an internal strife but it does resolve a diplomatic problem with a military stronghold and ensures regional peace and stability. I'd say, this choice is worthy of a shot. I hope it works.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Russia doesnt need the land.

They have more than enough land even if they lost all the islands in that area not just 4 that are disputed.

Russia is In a tight position. Sanctions because of Crimea, Europe not trusting Russia and rearming its military. This is the time to put pressure on Russia. Not to settle on a half ass deal where they get all the help necessary to make that region prosperous on Japanese money/resources.

Dont do it Japan!

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

Don't let the Japanese get a hold of them. They'll be concrete jungles within a year!

1 ( +8 / -7 )

quercetumToday  09:25 pm JST

Aren’t these islands covered by Article 9? Why doesn’t Japan defend her territories.

The Soviets invaded these islands immediately after Japan surrendered by announcing acceptance of the allied demand for unconditional surrender in August 1945. Article 9 of the Constitution did not come into being until 1947.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

So, Lavrov's remark was a fake to absorb public protest?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

How much would it cost to just buy Kunashiri?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Aren’t these islands covered by Article 9? Why doesn’t Japan defend her territories.

because Russia would kick their butts all the way back to Tokyo, not trying to be mean just stating the obvious, America will never get involved in this dispute especially if Japan tried to invade those islands.

SO knowing this Japan really has no choice but two accept the 2 islands offer.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

@seadog538

Will Japan be able pick the ones they prefer or will they have to take what they are given?

It's the two small islands on the Pacific side that is being proposed for transfer.

Russia gets to keep two larger ones to the West. Russia needs to keep these two islands to the west in order to protect its submarine base.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

There's no way Putin's Russia gives up land

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Big thaw in relations between the two countries is looking visible now .Japan should take possession of two smaller islands after signing the Treaty of Peace,Friendship and Cooperation & all hurdles for peaceful resolution of the matter in relation to other remaining two big islands , will certainly be get removed in due course of time. Mr Putin is truly a trusted friend of friends , let us not doubt his intentions. PM Abe should not think of demitting office in 2021 as he will certainly get fourth term to continue in office as prime minister of JAPAN.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Japan may accept Russia peace pact if it can get back 2 of 4 disputed islands

No good. No good at all. 4 Islands and not 2 Islands.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Huh? wasn't Japan government saying it is all 4 or no PEACE talk.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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